Technical Details

Audio/video streaming, refers to sending either live data feeds or pre-recorded, archived files over the Internet or local networks for immediate playback. These are generally one-way broadcasts that originate here at Cornell and are delivered to client computers to be watched. Typically the audience computers will use Real Network's RealPlayer™ or Apple's QuickTime™ player to receive the broadcasts from CIT streaming servers.

CIT is able to assist in the production of either live or archived webcasts involving academic or special event content. Archived productions are recorded and stored on CIT servers until they are accessed for playback on-demand.

Audio/Video Streaming Request Form

One-way, real-time audio/video streaming, with the ability to archive broadcasts for on-demand playback is ideal for: Course Lectures Guest Lectures Demonstration Materials Educational Materials Supplemental Material for a Course

Here is a description of the distinction between two similar technologies: Audio/Video Streaming -- the audio/video data is compressed to make it smaller, then stored for playback through the Internet upon request. There is some loss of quality during compression and decompression. Video Distribution -- live, highest quality audio/video well-suited for covering overflow events or speakers at remote sites.

How does audio/video streaming work?

	1. The content is created. This content can either be a live production, such as a lecture, or may be pre-recorded content, such as educational materials, that are archived for on-demand playback. Audio and/or video feeds of the event can be simultaneously recorded.
	2. Data is digitized and compressed. The recorded audio and/or video data is processed by special software into the desired format for broadcast. The data is also compressed to use less bandwidth, for a higher speed of data transfer across the Internet or other network.
	3. Data is stored or immediately broadcast. At this point, the digital content is either stored on CIT's servers to be played back at the request of individual users, or it is broadcast live, in real-time, over the Internet or other network.
	4. Data is transferred through the Internet. Rather than sent as an large media file, the audio and/or video content is streamed in small, managable packets of information.
	5. Audience receives content via player software. At this stage the content is received, typically through a personal computer, and the audio and/or video data is decompressed and played back using software appropriate to the desired format--typically RealPlayer™ or Quicktime™.